Crusaders base delayed
12/20/2011 07:36:49 PM
A delay in the redevelopment of Rugby League Park means the Crusaders will have to find an alternative base for their opening home match of the 2012 Super 15 season against the Chiefs.
Instead, it is likely to be opened as the Crusaders' new home ground in Christchurch when the Cheetahs turn up for the week five clash on March 24.
The ground is receiving a major face lift in order to play host to the Crusaders, the All Blacks and other entertainment during 2012.
Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said the contractors were making good progress, even if the original plan of having it open for business for the March 9 derby against the Chiefs is now an impossibility.
"This has been an ambitious programme from the start and we are delighted that we are getting closer to having home games in Christchurch." Riach said.
The Crusaders will now explore all their options as far as the Chiefs match is concerned.
They include relocating to Nelson, Timaru or even the possibility of the new Dunedin Stadium, given its proximity and the fact the Highlanders aren't in action until the following night against the Waratahs.